Although he knew exactly what Michael Ovitz was referring to, Steven Spielberg remained composed. "Michael, we’re old friends. Just say whatever’s on your mind."
"DreamWorks’ Deep Impact is set for a wide release in North America on May 8, and Sony Columbia’s Godzilla, which I’ve packaged, hits North American screens on May 15."
Michael Ovitz had done extensive preparation before coming here, and his tone was brimming with confidence. "There’s only one weekend separating us. By the time Godzilla is released, Deep Impact will have passed its peak, and the competition won’t be too intense unless Deep Impact has the kind of momentum Titanic had."
Both men knew this was unlikely. Deep Impact was merely a straightforward summer blockbuster.
"DreamWorks is very confident in Deep Impact," Spielberg said calmly.
"I’m also confident in the films you produce." Michael Ovitz’s expression grew serious. "I have equal confidence in the projects I package. So, Steven, we’ve never intended to back down in front of anyone. You are one of the top directors and producers—there’s no need for you to yield to anyone. I am a top dealmaker, and I’ve never thought of yielding either."
His words exuded conviction, reminiscent of the era when he was the king of the CAA.
Spielberg nodded slightly, clearly acknowledging Ovitz’s point—after all, he was the renowned Steven Spielberg.
"But we cannot deny that the competitor between us is exceptionally strong."
After years of working in Hollywood, Ovitz was brimming with confidence but never underestimated anyone. "Duke Rosenberg is returning to the summer box office season with The Matrix, and we must take it seriously. Judging by the trailer and teaser Warner Bros. has released, the film seems to have enough competitive edge."
"No one can underestimate Duke," Spielberg said, delivering his most solemn statement of the night. "Not even me. Duke is one of Hollywood’s top directors."
"So, he’s our common competitor!"
Lightly tapping the armrest of his chair, Ovitz emphasized his point. "The Matrix will be released the weekend after Deep Impact. This will inevitably affect your film’s second-weekend box office. If The Matrix performs well, it could also affect Godzilla, which releases the following week."
He smiled. "Unless Duke Rosenberg stumbles."
"That’s possible," Spielberg sighed, "but personally, I think the chances of Duke failing are less than 10%."
Ovitz’s expression turned serious. "Steven, Duke’s The Matrix poses a simultaneous threat to both of us."
This was an unchangeable fact. Spielberg understood it well. Both were Jewish, and in certain situations, such as the Mel Gibson incident, they would align on the same front. However, Hollywood’s competition was omnipresent.
Moreover, three of DreamWorks’ recent films had flopped. With a major production like Deep Impact, failure was not an option.
"Go on, Michael," Spielberg lowered his eyelids, no longer bothering to look at Ovitz across from him. "What do you plan to do?"
It was only mid-March, still early, and according to DreamWorks’ plan, the competition wouldn’t intensify until closer to May.
"I’ve heard something," Ovitz said, ignoring Spielberg’s attitude. "Although The Matrix isn’t completed yet—" Official source ıs 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✦𝓷𝓮𝓽
"Michael, you should know where my boundaries lie!" Spielberg warned.
At the status and level of someone like Spielberg or Duke, certain tactics were off-limits. Otherwise, it could lead to endless disputes or even mutual destruction.
Moreover, Hollywood’s Jewish community wouldn’t sit idly by and watch such bottom-line competition.
"You misunderstand me, Steven." Ovitz frowned and quickly explained, "The Matrix isn’t completed yet, but Warner Bros. has already started lobbying within the MPAA, aiming for a PG-13 rating for the film."
Spielberg raised his eyebrows, seemingly unsure of Ovitz’s point.
Ovitz clarified, "The Matrix is a sci-fi film and will inevitably feature Duke’s signature explosions. Looking back, except for Independence Day, which was relatively restrained due to its macro approach, and last year’s PG-13-rated Chicago, it’s clear that Duke’s films often include intense content."
By now, Spielberg understood Ovitz’s intentions.
"With Warner Bros.’ full backing, The Matrix will undoubtedly have no issues in terms of promotion and distribution."
Staring seriously at Spielberg, Ovitz continued, "But Warner Bros. is a new member of the MPAA, and their influence is relatively limited. The distributors of Godzilla have pledged full support for me, but that’s not enough."
"DreamWorks doesn’t have a seat in the MPAA," Spielberg reminded.
"I know." Ovitz was well aware of this. "That’s why, Steven, I’m seeking your personal support. Your close ties with Universal and Paramount can influence them. This could result in The Matrix receiving an R rating."
"At the same time, we’ll ensure that both Godzilla and Deep Impact secure PG-13 ratings!" Ovitz lifted his head confidently. "Do you know how hard it is for an R-rated film to compete against two PG-13 movies? The natural disadvantage in audience demographics alone would make it impossible for Duke Rosenberg to turn the tables!"
Spielberg remained silent. Ovitz also stayed quiet. As a fellow Jew, he knew competition among Jewish individuals was fierce, but he also knew Spielberg was as much a businessman as he was a filmmaker. Otherwise, Ovitz wouldn’t have approached him.
After about ten seconds, Spielberg slowly said, "I’ll make calls to Universal and Paramount."
Ovitz smiled. Ratings often determined a film’s fate.
Dark clouds covered the sky, and in the usually dry Los Angeles area, a rare morning drizzle fell. Duke closed the window, freshened up in the bathroom, and dressed. Looking around the messy room and finding no sign of his shirt, he recalled last night’s wildness with Charlize Theron as he walked out of the bedroom, down the spiral staircase, and followed the aroma of breakfast into the kitchen.
Charlize, wearing an oversized men’s shirt that revealed her long, slender legs, was preparing breakfast.
Hearing Duke’s footsteps, she turned and smiled. "Darling, you can head to the dining room. Breakfast will be ready soon."
She glanced at Duke’s bare, muscular upper body and pretended to protest, "Could you put on a shirt? If you stay like that, I won’t be able to resist."
"Can I have my shirt back?" Duke asked.
Charlize pointed to the living room. "There are clothes I prepared for you in the wardrobe."
As Duke turned toward the living room, he glanced back. Charlize Theron still had a radiant smile on her face.
In the living room, he found a brand-new shirt from the wardrobe and put it on—it fit perfectly. Charlize Theron was indeed thoughtful.
After finding his socks and shoes from the mess on the floor and putting them on, Duke washed his hands in the bathroom and walked into the dining room, where Charlize had prepared breakfast for him—a serving of toast, fried eggs, and oatmeal.
She had a glass of skim milk and some fruit, the price every actress aspiring to stay camera-ready had to pay.
As Charlize sipped her milk, her eyes wandered over Duke, seemingly lost in thought.
"Can I ask you a question, Duke?" She set her glass down.
Duke looked up at her and nodded slightly. Charlize immediately asked, "How can a young and beautiful actress achieve a breakthrough in acting or gain critical acclaim?"
After swallowing a bite of toast and sipping some oatmeal, Duke crossed his hands on the table. He and Charlize Theron both knew they wouldn’t end up together. However, like Naomi Watts, Charlize enjoyed spending time with him. They had fun and stayed in good spirits together.
Since she’d figure it out in a few years, Duke didn’t mind being direct. "When you’ve built enough experience, take on a role that makes you ugly."
"Ugly?" Charlize froze.
"Turn yourself into a hideous freak," Duke pointed to his forehead. "Preferably a character with some issues here."
Disfigured, mentally unstable characters were often the fastest way to win an Oscar. Winning Best Actress for a standard female role often required years of experience.
After breakfast, Duke left Charlize Theron’s villa, got into his car, and drove to Burbank. Instead of heading straight to the Duke Studios near Warner Bros., he first went to Warner Bros. headquarters to meet with Doug Walter, Warner’s head of distribution, to discuss The Matrix’s distribution plans. Only then did he return to his studio to continue post-production.
Doug Walter then left Warner Bros. headquarters and drove to meet with Sony Columbia executives to discuss strategies for suppressing DreamWorks!